Varicella immunization requirements for US colleges: 2014–2015 academic year

Abstract

Objective To obtain information on varicella pre-matriculation requirements in US colleges for undergraduate students during the 2014–2015 academic year. Participants Healthcare professionals and member-schools of the American College Health Association (ACHA). Methods An electronic survey was sent to ACHA members regarding school characteristics and whether schools had policies in place requiring that students show proof of 2-doses of varicella vaccination for school attendance. Results Only 27% (101/370) of schools had a varicella pre-matriculation requirement for undergraduate students. Only 68% of schools always enforced this requirement. Private schools, 4-year schools, Northeastern schools, those with <5,000 students, and schools located in a state with a 2-dose varicella vaccine mandate were significantly more likely to have a varicella pre-matriculation requirement. Conclusions A small proportion of US colleges have a varicella pre-matriculation requirement for varicella immunity. College vaccination requirements are an important tool for controlling varicella in these settings.

Awareness of varicella-zoster virus among undergraduate students at the University of Namibia

“…A study conducted in Sri Lanka on the susceptibility of new entrant university students to VZV revealed that of the 458 eligible students those who were unvaccinated had low levels of immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies compared to those who were vaccinated. 12 …”

“…A study conducted in Sri Lanka on the susceptibility of new entrant university students to VZV revealed that of the 458 eligible students those who were unvaccinated had low levels of immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies compared to those who were vaccinated. 12 A significant number of respondents, 44.9% (n=75), felt that contracting VZV led to the disruption of classes and increased absenteeism. This concurs with a similar study by Kurukulasooriya et al 13 which found that VZV outbreaks can to the disruption of school attendance and activities; students with varicella may miss classes and activities for seven days or more.…”

Prevalence of Inadequate Immunity to Measles, Mumps, Rubella, and Varicella in MLB and NBA Athletes

“…In the case of varicella, for example, a survey of US colleges during the 2014-2015 academic year found that only 27% of schools required proof of immunity for matriculation, and only 68% of schools consistently enforced this requirement. 15 Thus, the role of colleges as a site of screening for immunity status may not reflect current practice.…”

A Note from the Editor-in-Chief Emeritus: A Reluctant Farewell to Clinical Therapeutics

“…6 However, only about 30% of colleges that are members of the American College Health Association require proof of measles vaccination before matriculation, and only about 70% actually enforce this requirement. 7 One way that vaccine-hesitant or -resistant parents avoid required immunizations is to home-school their children. Their reluctance often stems from religious beliefs or false or inaccurate information.…”